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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah to decide on 2 more Ramsar sites in October
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expected to decide in October on the potential designation of two more Ramsar sites in the state. Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society president Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa had proposed that the Klias Peninsular and Lahad Datu be listed under the international wetlands conservation pact. The documentation and site visits to prepare for the listing of Klias site, which spans about 1,000 acres, have been ongoing for two years. The proposal to list the 200-acre Lahad Datu site has been submitted to the state government through the Natural Resources Office (NRO), in collaboration with POIC Lahad Datu and with full support from the Sabah Forestry Department. "I think the state cabinet will make a final decision on that in October. "The whole idea is, once they become Ramsar site, it is in a higher level of protection," Zainie said after the launch of a mangrove preservation programme by Hibiscus Petroleum at the Ramsar Wetlands Kota Kinabalu here. Sabah has two Ramsar sites: the 78,803ha Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands, gazetted in 2008, and the 24ha Kota Kinabalu Wetland, recognised in 2016. Commenting on the rising interest in the trade of mangrove-based carbon credits, Zainie said the trading is done at the Bursa Carbon Exchange. To date, Sabah's Kuamut Rainforest is the first nature-based carbon project in Malaysia listed on the Exchange in July last year. Zainie added that the state government had received related proposals in recent years, but their status remained unclear. "But whatever it is, it is something very good for nature and for conservation of environment. Countries like us should wisely use of our mangroves. "Meaning to say, we get money from these companies overseas, from these parties overseas, to do re-conservation or continue to do conservation for our site here. "This ( process of trading mangrove-based carbon credits) will be under the state government. But I believe it will be spearheaded by the Sabah Forestry Department." In April, the Sabah assembly passed the Forest (Amendment) Enactment 2025 to regulate the trade of the state's forest carbon credits. In February, Universiti Malaysia Sabah forestry lecturer Associate Professor Dr Berhaman Ahmad had said that mangroves can sequester 10 times more carbon than dryland forests. Meanwhile, Sabah Hibiscus Petroleum's Operated Asset head Edmund Ang congratulated 50 students from SM Tshung Tsin, SMK Likas, SMK Lok Yuk, SMK Taman Tun Fuad and SM Kian Kok for taking part in the half-day programme themed "Shaping Tomorrow's Mangrove Protectors Today."
Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Policy document wraps up session
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Zainie (centre) with Lim on his left and participants consisting of lawyers, local leaders and activists. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's civil society platform, Sabar (Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights) wrapped up town hall sessions under the 'Sabah Voices to Action' series with the message that the future lies in empowering youth and demanding accountability from politicians. It was the final of their eight engagements across Sabah which saw over 300 participants converge at Wisma Wanita, Sunday. Sabar Chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa expressed pride in presenting a document of aspirations and actions derived from four months of listening to the people. He said the policy document will be submitted to all parties contesting the coming state election, in the expectation that the proposals would be adopted in their manifestos and more importantly, implemented after the polls. 'We don't want to see a repeat of past promises that were abandoned after elections. This initiative is about building a new political culture that instills responsibility and follows through,' he said. Looking ahead, Zainie revealed that Sabar would shift focus toward engaging young Sabahans in the next phase of their work. Advertisement 'We want to walk with the youth, shape their political mindset, and help them understand the importance of choosing leaders who keep their word. 'They must know how to pick representatives who genuinely deliver on their promises. That's how we build a better Sabah, one election at a time,' he said. He hoped the manifesto guide crafted from these town hall sessions would serve not just this election cycle, but for many to come. SAPP Women's Youth Wing Chief, Yvonne Yong Yit Phung, hailed the initiative as a much-needed departure from the typical political echo chamber, calling for more youth to step forward and help shape Sabah's future. Yvonne praised the organisers for encouraging proactive dialogue and engaging youth in meaningful policy discussions. 'The way questions were framed, how discussions were guided, it was very professional. It showed how much the youth care, and how much potential they have if given the platform,' she said. Vice President of Borneo History, Sahar Piasin, 65, welcomed the shift in focus at the final town hall, noting a refreshing change from previous events. 'Unlike before, which mostly centred around MA63, this time the emphasis was more on youth development through education, rural empowerment, and infrastructure. That made it very interesting,' he said. Sahar noted that speakers appeared to deliberately target students and young people, which, in turn, deserves the attention of Sabahan parents. 'They weren't just asking for opportunities, they were being spoken to directly about the future of their children. That made a real impact,' he added. Borneo History was invited to host an exhibition at the event, showcasing historical documents and treaties, some of which were made available for sale. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabar launches 117-point report from public consultations
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 Text Size: Zainie and other leaders and stakeholders. KOTA KINABALU: More than 300 stakeholders gathered at Wisma Wanita for the final town hall of 'Sabah Voices to Action,' where Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) officially launched a 60-page policy report outlining 117 public demands ahead of the 2025 Sabah state election. The report, compiled through a three-month consultation across Sabah, covers 21 areas including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance, and is accessible online in three languages. Sabar chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa urged politicians to take the document seriously, calling it a grassroots effort that reflects the real concerns of Sabahans and a foundation for collaborative reform. Key proposals include the creation of Sabah-led education and health ministries, decentralised infrastructure planning, and sweeping reforms in governance, such as political financing laws and transparent tenders. The organisers emphasised that the report is a living, non-partisan document meant to guide inclusive policymaking, with Sabar calling on all parties to reflect its recommendations in their election manifestos. The Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Chinese versions of the report are now available for download here. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
